^LV\ 



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THiRi! HOURS For Three Thousano Years, 



— OE — 



HERESY & PLANETS. 



COMEDY-DRAMA 



IN FIVE ACTS, 



-BY — 



G. A. KASTELIC. 




THiRi! HOURS For Three THOOsimo Years, 



— OR- 



HERESY & PLANETS. 



COMEDY-DRAMA 



IN FIVE ACTS, 



— BY- 



G. A. KASTELIC, 



^ 



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T'^ ':U 



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Entered according to Act of Congress in tlie years 
1891 and 1892. 
by George Anton Kastelic. 



All riulits reserved. 



TMP96-006372 



CAST m CHA»ACTE£S: 



ALBERT, 

CHARLEY, 

MABLE, 

MARY, - 

JOHN SMITH, - 

JESUSITA, 

FELICES ALVARADO, 

PALAS, 

XILIOPALKA, - 

JEXIDROL, 

REGINA, ) 

FELICIA, V 

LUCIA, ) 

NELLIE, 

EDWARD, ) 

EMILY, [ 

LUDOVINA, ) 

A PHYSICIAN - 



The Happy Soul. 

His Cousin. 

His intended Bride. 

His Wife 

Albert's Father 

Albert's Mother 

Mabel's Mother 

Queen of Venus 

Boss of Mercury 

Giant-Master of Saturn 

Court Ladies 
The Orphan 

« Children 



Farmers, Fairies, Dwarfs, Giants etc., etc. 



Time, f89f to I90I. 

Place, Colorado Desert, {Southern California') 




ACT I. 



SCENE I. 

Ordinary sitting room, a bed in it. Mabel in a rocker takes a news- 
paper from tlie table. 

Mabel. — At last I can liaye a few moments for thinking and 
reading, I cannot imagine how other girls lounge idly about 
completelj neglecting their house duties. Why, an orderly girl 
must always be on the alert. I'd never allow my poor mother 
to burden herself with the work that I am able to do. 

Oh! how sincerely I pity Maggie's mother, who allows her 
daughter to act as she pleases, attending, in her old age even 
to their support. But the poor old lady will not be spared much 
longer; ah, then Maggie will find something better to do than 
read novels or ride down town to meet her admirers. 

Even if Henry should marry her, it will little improve her 
condition as he needs his salary for himself. Alas! she is too 
young to reason for herself, and will not listen to my well-meant 
advise. 

Salaries are indeed very low, and married women must in 
some way contribute towards the support of the house while 
unmarried ones have to battle for themselves. Foolish are 
but the girls who encourage or marry men who j)ass most of 
their leisure time in saloons, and they have but themselves to 
blame when they find out too late their life's greatest mistake. 

For my part, I shall be most careful in this respect, and Al- 
bert will find it very hard to convince me that he is becoming a 
better man,besides, he is unable to keep a steady position. I feel 
sorry for him; but at the same time I would not sacrifice my- 
self without doing a particle of good to either of us. (Draws a 
sigh) On the other hand, his cousin is a steady worker and 
very economical, but he has an awful temper. No woman could 
stand it for any length of time; and I fear serious trouble will 
some day be the result of his extreme excitability. 

Oh! how I do hate fighters, drunkards, gamblers, and the 
like. Yet, how few are entirely free from such grave faults. The 
world seems now-a-days all wrong; I wonder if it will continue 
growing steadily worse, or my after all some great crisis come 
wringing changes,for the better and cause people to change their 
morals and customs. Oh! that I knew of some way in which I 
could myself effect such a transformation, I think I would 



.- 4 — 

gladly devote my life to such a cause. (Longingly ) I miglit pos- 
sibly give up my life, only to change Albert for the better. 

Mary enters. 
Mary. — Miss Mabel, will you please come and see after 
the pies? 

Exit Mary. 
Mabel. — All right, Mary, I will be in the kitchen directly 
(soliloquizing) So it goes all day long. One can not get a half 
hour's rest. 

Exit Mabel. 

Enter Albert, after having repeatedly knocked at the door. 

Albert. — No one in. Miss Mabel is probably in the kit- 
chen. I wonder what she will remark upon seeing me togged 
out in such fine style? I guess she will hardly recognize me 
{smiling into the mirror) Indeed, I look like a foreign minister, 
suppose that will fetch her. Of course, I must also give proper 
explanations. Ah! Here she comes. 

Enter Mary. 
Mary. — Oh! are you here Albert? Miss Mabel is very busy 
just now. You may take a chair and wait for her. 

Albert, trjing to kiss her. 

Albert. — Pretty little Mary, I hope you will be a charm- 
ing companion while Mabel keeps me waiting. You know I 
love you almost as much as I do Miss MabeL 

Mary. — (coldhj) Perhaps you do, but I do not and never 
will appreciate your favor. I hardly think Miss Mabel does, 
either. 

Albert. — (perplexed) How is that? Am I not a nice fellow? 
Just look at me, Mary. 

Mary taking a contemptuous look at him. 

Mary. — That hat of yours does not make you a particle 
better in my estimation. Neither do I think will Mabel be 
greatly charmed by it. 

Albert. — (sharply) You don't say? Pray, what is it then, 
that would raise me in yours and your mistress's estimation? 

Mary. — (naturally) Undoubtedly, if 3'ou would call in plain 
working clothes and prove that you had changed your disord- 
erly mode of living. (Moves toioards the door). There comes 
Miss Mabel, so you can settle the question best with herself. 
Good day, Albert. 

Enter Mabel. 

Mabel. — Good morning, Albert. 

Albert. — Good morning, Mabel, my darling, how are you? 
(aside) She does not seem to notice mj^ silk hat at all. 



— 5 — 

Mabel. — (coolly) Thank you I am well. And you? 

Albert. — ( enthusiastically ) Oli! I am always more than well, 
when I am permitted to have a talk with you undisturbed, 
especially to-day. 

Mabel. — Why so? Have you any particular news to-day? 

Albert. — (amused) Particular news — she does not seem 
to "understand." (strokes his mustache). (^vi7of<(iJ Well, just take 
a good look at me. Don't you notice anything particular 
about me? 

Mabel. — You mean that stove-pipe hat you are wearing. 
That is very little to me, indeed. 

Albert. — (with gi-eat stress) Very little! Very little! 

Mabel. — (Interrupting) Of course, little or nothing. Besi- 
des, it is likely some one else's hat, as it seems rather too large 
for you. Just let me see what's in the hat. 

Albert. — (much frightened — In a whisper) Oh my! She's 
got me again, I sent to Aunt Smith for cousin's hat. 

You know,Mabel, I always buy large hats so as to... to... to... 

'M-A'SE'L.— ( Severely ) to... to.... probably to drive it deeper 
into your red face when you come tumbling out of some ob- 
noxious saloon, where you are spending half of your worthless 
life (sadly) Oh! Albert, it is awful! 

Albert. — (Pleadingly ) Pray, Miss... don't . . . 

Mabel. — ( Deploringly ) Yes, awful indeed. I know you to 
be incorrigible. Look, why are you not like your cousin Char- 
ley? He is steadily working and saving his dollars, while 
you .... Oh, how sincerely I j3ity your poor mother! Your 
father died worrying about you, and before long you will have 
driven her too into the cold grave. (At the last toords tears 
spring to her eyes). 

Albert. — (Moved) Don't be so hard on me Mabel .... You 
see I came to tell you that .... that .... that I intend to begin 
a new life from now on. 

Mabel. — It is not the first time you come to tell me that, 
Albert. 

Albert. — But it is a fact this time. You see I have secured 
a nice employment in a commission house, and surely all will 
turn out for the best. Believe me, dear Mabel. 

Mabel. — It is well enough for you to say this, but I 
can not believe it, until I see that you are beginning to turn 
over a new leaf, attending properly to business, and placing 
your earnings in your mother's care, just as Charley does. 

Albert. — It is always Charley with you. I know you are 
in love with him, and therefore I am notliing to you. 

Mabel. — WeM as to that, I must rejjeat that Charley is 



— 6 — 

really a very good man, I wish I could say the same of you, 
but you may rely upon that I am not in love with liim,nor with 
any one else. 

Albert. — (Joyfully) Is that a fact? Oh! may I hope then 
to ... . 

Mabel. — (SevereUyJ Please don't continue — it is use- 
less — it is impossible (iviping away some tears) 

Albert. — (Excitedly) Now, there you are again, almost 
shedding tears. I am sure it is Charley that your heart is cry- 
ing for. 

Mabel. — Don't talk like that any more. You are mistaken, 
Albert. 

Knocks at the door. 

Mabel. — Walk right in. 

Enter Charley. 

Charley. — How do you do, dear Mabel? 

Albert. — (aside) This is fatal! — If he sees his new hat 
here. Oh! what a foolish prank it was for me to send to Aunt 
for it. Well, I will have to fight it out if it comes to the point. 

Charley. — Hello! Albert, are you here too? 

Albert. — (Aside) Damn him! (Aloud) Yes, as you see. 

Charley. — (Addressing Mabel) I had to visit several ofiices, 
concluded business rather early, and thought I would avail 
myself of the opportunity to call on you and ask whether you 
would like to accompany my sisters to the opera this evening? 

Albert. — (distressfully) Aha! his sisters. 

Mabel. — I hardly think that I shall be able to go. (Alb. 
joyfully clapping upon his knees). You see, I am not feeling quite 
well, (Alb. jumping, magnificent) and would, therefore, prefer to 
retire early. (Alb., she is an accomplished angel). Besides, 
you know that I never cared much about operas, because I am 
of the opinion that a good drama is generally more conducive 
to public refinement, while operas and a number of other 
fashionable practices and amusements are a sad overdoing. 

Albert. — {luith enifphasis) Correct, at any rate she seems to 
know just how to handle fashionable fools like him. 

Charley. — Just as you like, Mabel. I am sorry, though I 
can not help acknowledging your intelligent judgment and pre- 
ference for the drama. 

Albert. — (Aside) You had better get out of here to avoid 
a drama. 

Charley. — (Taking up a netvspcijxi') Have you read that 
article about the wonderful new desej-t lake at Salton? 



— 7 — 

Albert. — (Aside) I suppose lie must feel by this time 
somehow too salted — perhaps deserted. 

Mabel. — Earthquakes have sometimes very strange effects 
indeed, most likely it will fill up the low plain, though that 
may take years. 

Charley. — If they don't oppose Nature's wise workings the 
Colorado Desert will, with its surrounding hills, gradually 
change climate and general aspect, yielding fertile soil for new 
cultivation to thousands of acres. 

Albert. — {lively) I, myself, would then like to go there 
and catch rattlesnakes to keep from starving. 

Mabel. — (dreamingly) California is the most wonderful 
land on earth. — I declare it is destined to become soon the mo- 
dern paradise. 

Charley. — You are right, Mabel, we have besides strong 
evidence that many centuries past fertile plains populated by 
civilized nations existed all over the West, where now but a 
succession of deserts is met with, 

Albert. — (with outstretched arms, sarcastically) May this 
unmistakable hint of Nature provoke human intelligence (aside, 
especially Charley s) to bring such conditions speedily back again! 

Mabel. — I wish it would although I will not live to see 
anything like that accomplished. You both may enjoy it yet. 

Charley. — ( Taking hold of the plug-hat upon the table aston- 
ishingly examines it.) AJi! what is this? 

Albert. — (Aside) Now the crash is unavoidable. I am sure 
he carries his pistol. At any rate I must look out for that. 

Charley. — (Uncertain) It seems... to be... my hat. (Turns 
it all over, then tearing out the papers and throiving them into Al- 
bert's face.) Oh! you scoundrel: you miserable thief; you confo- 
unded wretch.... 

Albert. — {interrupting icratlifully) What's that, you said? 
I, a scoundrel! a thief! I'll fix you for that. (Throivs aivay his 
coat and 7'oUing up his sleeves, advances ivith clinched fists.) 

Charley. — (retrcatingly shouts) Stand back there, or I'll 
smash in your red nose! (Blows folloiv.) 

Mabel. — (Crying) For God's sake stop, Albert! Don't stri- 
ke any more! Oh! that I am compelled to witness such ugly 
fighting! 

The fighters fall with a heavy ihud in a heap. A noment later a pistol 
is discharged. 

Mabel. — (Throtvs one hand up, placing the other over her 
heart.) Oh, Lord! This is too much. (Sinks in a faint on the 
fioor. The fighters jump to their fe^et). 



Mabel's mother and Mary rash in. 

Mother. — {Despondently) Oh, Mabel! My dear cliild, What 
has happened to you? What is it? Tell me, are you hurt? Who 
killed you? Tell your Mother! 

Charley. — She only fainted upon hearing the accidental 
shot. I hope it is nothing serious. {All hands carry her ^ipon 
the bed. 

Albert. — {Excitedly) Mary, bring some water and brandy. 
Hurry up! Charley, go and call a physician. Run sharp! (both go 
confusedly as told.) 

Mary. — {returning with glass of loater and bottle) Here Al- 
bert. — Poor Mabel, she is so kind-natured. Only to see a scuffle 
is sufficient to kill her. 

She sprinkles water on Mabel. Albert rubing her temples with brandy. 
Mother assists. 

Mother. — Dear Mabel, speak but once. Look at your mo- 
ther! What shall I do for you? 

Enter physician and examines MabeL 

PhysicM-N. — {jjensively) Poor girl! I fear there remains very 
little to be done for her. 

Mother. — Oh, Doctor! Please do all you can, just make 
her speak to me once more. Is there not a hope for that? 

Physician. — I may possibly be able to make her rally 
sufficiently for that. I will try my best. Madam. 

He administers to the prostrate form for several minutes. 

Madam, she is opening her eyes. Please talk quietly to her 
for a few moments. 

Mother. — My sweet daughter, speak to your mother. Tell 
me, Mabel, how do you feel? 

Mab^i,. —{smilingly) Happy, very happy, dear mother, 
indeed {she stretches her arm) Don't worry. Oh! how lovely the 
angels are singing for me, and how beautiful they are. 

Mother, do you see them? There. {Indicating direction.) 

Mother. — I cannot see them, my dear child; no they dare 
not take you from me yet. I have not petted or cherished you 
much in all your life, because I meant to spare it until after 
your training was completed. Now you must remain to be the 
joy and only consolation of your feeble mother. 

Mabel. — Mother, I am thankful you gave me a sensible 
education and true womanly training. How would I now feel, 
if I was a spoilt lost child, and having a lost mother.Oh, what 
horror! only to think of other purblind parents and their un- 



fortunate cliildreu. I must go aud try to help them all, dear 
mother. {Feeling about ivith both hands.) Where are you Albert? 

Albert. — Here I am my darling; don't you see me? 

Mabel. — No, I can't see; it is getting very dark. But, tell 
me, will you begin a better life from now on? I always knew 
that I should have to die before you ever reformed. 

Albert. — I swear that I will do all in my power. But don't 
leave us yet; you won't die Mabel. Look at your poor mother; 
she could never do without you. {Mother heavily sighing.) 

Mabel. — {Pleadingly) Please do not make it harder for me, 
Albert. 

Mother, do not cry. I shall soon meet you up there, 
where we will be able to do more good than we can here. 
{StretcMng out both hands). Good bye, all! They are calling me. 
Oh, the beautiful carriage of brilliants! How swiftly they are 
coming now. {Head and hands dropjy'ing.) 

Albert. — One more angel in heaven! This wicked world is 
no place for souls like hers. {Curtain) 



SCENE II. 



cemetery. 



Albert badly dressed grooping over the graves; strikes a match to read 
inscriptions. His mother and cousin visible in a remote corner. 

Charley. — I am sure, Aunt, he contemplates no good at 
this late hour. I fear gloomy thoughts have brought him out 
here; therefore it is best to watch him, and I expect you 
to help me bring your lost son safely home again. 

Albert. — Here is the place where my dear angel is rest- 
ing, sweetly dreaming in eternal sleep. Oh, how happy would I 
be were I a better man! she might then have lived to gladden 
all her dear ones. I am the one who killed her, and worse of 
all, I swore to her, that I would reform; but have never tried 
to do so. On the contrary, I have only kept sinking deeper, 
with bad companions, until I became actually a thief, a scoun- 
drel and wretched outcast, thrown from employment, avoided 
by friends who formerly debauched at my account, and given 
up even by my mother, who, like the majority of senseless 
mothers do, petted long ago all the good out of my soul, just 
to gratify her own shallow selfish heart. 

I cannot stand it any longer; the best thing for me is to 
die at once, and have a rest along side of my darling angel here. 



— 10 — 

Mother. — Oh Charley he is really going to kill himself! 
Please take the pistol from him before he shoots! 
For God's sake go and take it from him. 
Charley. — Do not be afraid, dear Aunt; I shall see that 
he will not. As soon as he draws the pistol from his pocket, I 
will wrench it from his grasp. You may be sure that I did not 
bring you out here to see your Albert commit the last and 
gravest act of his wretched existence; on the contrary, to lead 
him safely back again, and I hope he can be prevailed upon to 
act reasonable as soon as he becomes aware that you have 
freely forgiven him. 

Albert. — Bad company is the ruin of many; no doubt such 
is the case with me, but after all I have the one consolation 
that I could never think of any practical way towards reform, 
without being compelled to put up with despicable hypocrisy 
(in a tone of loild bitterness shaking ^fists) prayers, bible trash, and 
other prodigals. Oh! it is bound to drive young and old to 
excesses and hallucinations, or into the streets and saloons, 
being irresistably carried off by the natural tide of modern 
civilization. 

If I only knew of a country or state that would offer 
something better to young folks, I would certainly go there, no 
matter how far I hacl to travel; but as yet there is no state, 
church or community on earth, that may justly claim to pro- 
pagate a Christianity worthy of its name, since all are bound on 
mechanical imitation, stoutfully keeping uj) an external deceit- 
ful appearance, permanently excluding common sense and ratio- 
nal systems of public education, which only could bring about 
true feeling amongst all classes. ( JFiW??/ si taking fists). Iron faced 
Pharisees with supernatural blood-curdling gravity frighten 
and drive us for royal legacies, mercilessly into certain des- 
pondency. 

There is no chance left for unfortunates who are sensible 
enough to comprehend that none of those flimsy, trumped-up 
doctrines and j^etty charities can ever help more than one in 
a thousand. 

I have understood all that long ago; and for that 
matter even my parents could not have made a good man out 
of me, though my father has promptly pounded me whenever 
he felt himself in a fit of wild rage, while mother with her fond 
caresses and religious training did her part to turn me into a 
complete savage. 

Oh! I am sure, dear Mabel, was the only one who could 
possibly have brought me to reform. She knew well that 
religion to self-respect as fashion to education and barbarism 
to civilization, keep always an even ratio. 

Now, it is all too late, sooner or later imprisonment would 
be my fate. (Draivs out his pistol) That chance is left but for a 



— 11 — 

coward. I prefer this remedy. {Examining the revolver.) I hope 
Mabel will be in waiting for me. 

Mother. — (Breathlessly)!^ ow Charley, don't hesitate, or you 
may be too late. 

Charley approaching rapidly raises his arm to give the blow, when 
Mabel all in white appears, a blue flame illuminating her pale face, 
and threateningly raising her hands. 

Mabel. — Albert, what did you promise me, and swear to, 
in the hour of my departure. 

Albert and Charley drop their arms paralyzed with fear. The pistol falls 
from Albert's hand upon the grave, while mother is wringing her 
hands heavenward. 

Mabel. — {Continues) I came now to warn you for the last 
time, to start a new and righteous life. Do you expect that by 
freeing yourself from human duties we would be united. Why, 
such horrible action as murder or suicide is bound to drive you 
still further from me. So far, your existence has been abso- 
lutely worthless; there being nothing in it to merit even for an 
instant a communication with any of the glorious souls in after 
life; consequently you could expect but darkness and desolation. 
{Solemn silence) Oh, Albert! believe me, I have been happy, 
very happy; but this sad interview will deprive me of felicity 
for a long time, since in after life, one hour is equal to a 
thousand years. I made this last sacrifice in order to save you 
and that you would save others. 

Albert. — Sublime angel! being myself an outcast, how 
could I save others? Death only can deliver me. 

Mabel. — Know then, Albert, God's infallible scripture and 
only law is Motion, Progress, Evolution, Perfection; the latter 
state as the final aim of all has been entirely lost sight of, since 
soul saving developed into profitable comedy and ecclesiastical 
farce plays. 

Eartly life is a short dream, a mere apprenticeship for the 
after existence of soul, thus, death can only deliver the good, 
but never ends suffering for those who have done little or 
nothing to perfect and ennoble their own souls; on the contrary, 
it increases a thousand-fold, since there is no visible end to it. 

Only those who bear patiently all inconvenience, working 
diligently for their brethren's welfare, helping to establish the 
anticipated grand civilization of the future, may ever expect 
that the eternal light will shine also for them.Tlius progressive 
work is the true Saviour, while Christ was one of the greatest 
teachers, vainly endeavoring to make us all understand that 
we should willingly sacrafice our own flesh and blood, if neces- 
sary to aid helpless sufferers. 

Alas! his noble examples have always been miscons- 
trued to become more serviceable for selfish purposes of state- 



— 12 — 

ly priests.... Brace up, Albert, and make yourself useful. I 
expect great things of you, and shall not fail to call you as soon 
as you will have complied satisfactorily with your human 
duties. 

Albert. — How gladly will I do as you advise me, my angel, 
but I do not know how and where to begin. I am deprived of 
all means, expelled and despised by human society, there is 
no hope for me. 

Mabel. — I am aware that you suffered a great deal, bui it is 
only very little as compared with the awful misery of lost souls. 
There is hope as long as there is life. Illusory expectations, 
depravity and licentiousness have certainly landed you at the 
verge of despondency, as it always does, but the glorious day 
is now close a I hand when you and all the world will be con- 
vinced that by harmoniously working together in strict con- 
formity with the plainest laws ofNature, earthly as well as ever- 
lasting happiness can best be attained for all and when such 
will once more be accomplished upon earth, true Christianity 
will exist and a sublime civilization will be established, but 
never before that. (Pcmse.) 

Now as to yourself, I must advise you, Albert, to start with 
the most natural, and most useful of human occupations, which 
is agriculture; but never think of beginning it single-handed, 
as it is frequently attempted with uncertain results. Union and 
co-operation is necessary for everything; much more so in 
coaxing off mother earth precious heavenly gifts. If you 
will explain this to your shiftless comrades, the best of them 
may readily join you, and all will find, that field work in 
the lovely open country is not as hard as unsuccessful city life, 
besides being much healthier for body and soul. 

Another very important advice; which I have to offer is, 
that as soon as the first necessities have been arranged you 
should take a wife; but select one who would carefully attend 
to her domestic duties. Your companions will undoubtedly 
follow your sensible example; and there shall reign the great- 
est satisfaction amongst all. This being the only desire of our 
kind Creator. Heaven will be with you, if you follow strictly 
all I advised you. 

I must go, Albert, they are calling me. 

Mabel disappeares while Albert heaTily sighing turns around, and 
startling at the sight of Charley, exclaims: 

Albert. — Oh! how true is Mabel's announcement. Tell me, 
Charley has not sent you our dear angel? 

Charley. — Indeed, such is the case, and you see your care- 
worn mother besides. 

The old lady is coming up to clasp her son in her arms. 

Mother. — Oh! my bad boy, at last you are saved? {Curtain) 



ACT II. 



Ordinary farmer's room, with a low cot in it; one door at each side; 
window at the rif^ht; Mary sitting at the window stringing beans; 
Nellie on a low stool assisting her. 

Nellie. — {Orphan) It will be three months to-morrow since 
I came here with you. Oh, how quickly the time has passed! • 

Mary. — I suppose Nellie, you like country life; do you not? 

Nellie. — If I do? Really, I never dreamed to ever feel as 
happy as I am since I sighted beautiful Merced Farm, at 
Salton Lake. 

Mary. — I am glad you do, my poor child; you have suflfered 
long enough through charitable monsters who cruelly swallow 
so many defenseless victims, after having pierced their gentle 
hearts with steei pointed lances of false morals, while they art- 
fully cover their own mean souls with the invulnerable shield 
of religious piety. You know, dear Nellie, what a fight I had to 
recover you from their brawny clutches. 

Nellie. — {lueepingly) Oh, what an awful time I passed at 
the asylum! The continuous scowls and kicks at my faintest 
move; disgusting prayers almost every hour! I would rather die 
than jiass another year at that horrid asylum! At last, a kind 
lady took me away, and I thought better times had come; 
Instead, I was made to drudge in her luxurious mansion 
from dawn till midnight. (i>i7ter/y) That's what they call a home. 
And when I ran away, resolved to end my life rather than stand 
such slavery, I was taken to prison, and there you found and 
kindly rescued me (smiles). Oh, how thankful I am at your 
unexpected deliverance! 

I really felt at first siglit,an irresistible attraction towards 
you Mary, and therefore implored the judge on my knees, 
to permit me going with you. 

Mary. — Luckily, I was able to prove a distant relationship 
with you; or all your touching appeals would have proved 
unavailing, and those bright shining stars of petty charity 
would have had you condemned to three years' imprisonment, 
forcing you into companionship of vile females until you beca- 
me of age. 

Why, as far as true womanly feeling and human sense is 
concerned you are of age already, while none of those haughty 
ladies who were in court ti'ying to ruin your character and 



— 14 — 

future, will ever be as competent as you are to have a child 
placed under their charge. 

Nellie. — {relieved) It is just lovely among your straight 
minded friends here, all being so kind and totally different 
from those I had formerly met! The young folks merrily play- 
ing, singing, and courting, bat still working industriously like 
ants; they love all that's cultivating and beautiful, while their 
highest virtue, is profoandest devotion to one another. 

Mary. — For a fact, they do love each other most sincerely 
and after all , what but such devotion makes life agreable 
and is bound to promote all that is noble and grand? It proves 
to be the case at Merced Farm, where within a few years have 
sprung up- comfortable cottages and spacious out-buildings sur- 
rounded by gardens, orchards and vine-yards; in short every- 
thing that indicates prosperity and happiness, while but a few 
years ago we started with almost nothing. 

Nellie. — It is indeed a model farm, stopping here even 
for a few days imparts feelings of a delightful new life; just to 
see the great contentment which every one seems possessed of 
in his daily routine makes one's heart leap with joy and 
enthusiasm. I wonder if Merced Farm is the only place on 
earth where the greatest crime ever committed consisted 
apparently in voluntary overwork? 

Mary. — You see, dear child, other people are not content 
to work happily in union and harmony; they prefer to waste 
their precious time and energy in creating harassing laws, and 
unnatural creeds, which force all classes into desperate strug- 
gles for brutish supremacy. Until lately men were exclusively 
engaged in such systematical co-annihilation. 

Women and children being now sternly compelled to join 
those inhuman strifes for dear life, — a horrid state of modern- 
ized barbarism is becoming more apparent with <very year. 
Naturally the weak and gentlest are first run over and merci- 
lessly trampled upon; but the strongest are also liable to fall 
by treachery or sudden mishap, which fact, although being 
recognized by those in power,tliey still proceed with unreason- 
able demands for more souls and victims to gratify their low, 
vain ambitions. 

Nellie. — {MoeMngly) Oh, that glorious Christianity! Christ 
would have undoubtedly preferred silence, if He had foreseen 
such developments; I wonder wlio deserves the blame for all 
these contrarities and mockeries. I should think if that question 
could be answered, it would be easy enough to correct the 
worst ills. 

One thing is sure however, the fault either rests with too 
wise teachers or their too stupid pupils, and j)robably with both. 

Mary. — I am astonished, Nellie, at your jpower of reason- 



-- 15 — 

ing. Now, suppose you could ascertain wlio is to be blamed 
for all the infelicity on earth, what would you do first? 

Nellie. — I would certainly try to get away from those ene- 
mies of humanity, taking with me as many kind and conscien- 
tious companions as possible, in order to start with them a 
happy farm like this is. 

Maey. — It would surely be the only correct course t;^ 
take, my dear; that is just why and how we came to Salton 
Lake, and converted this place from a barren desert into a 
garden of Eden. 

Nellie. — Did you not tell me that your husband used to 
be of very unsteady habits? How then Mary, could you take 
the risk of coming out here, almost with nothing to start? And 
how did Albert change so remarkably? 

Mary. — You see, it came like this; he was the admirer of 
my former mistress; but, alas! His abject wickedness broke her 
h.eairt.{Sadly) Poor Mabel, we lovedeach other as sisters! After 
she died he became gradually worse, until one night he went 
to the cemetery resolved to commit suicide, but he did not do 
it. Next day he came up to me entirely changed. He was very 
remorseful when he told me of his interview with Mabel, and 
asked if I was willing to help him do some good work by 
advice of Mabel. 

Of course I consented; that is the way we came here, and 
I am not sorry for it. Albert from that da^^ has been a good 
man. He has converted a considerable number of stylish va- 
grants into useful citizens. Oh, isn't it a marvelous change 
which has been brought about by the powerful influence of 
intelligent women — the sweethearts and wives of the undaunt- 
ed pioneers, and I am sure that if ever this wicked world is to be 
reformed it will certainly not be done by unsympathising for- 
mulas, ostentatious prayers or nerve-trying speeches; but noble 
self-sacrificing women shall be the great regenerators of the 
tuman race. 

Nellie. — I wonder how you managed to keep things agoing 
at the beginning. 

Mary. — -To be sure, it was not pleasant at all times; but 
we placed our hopes upon the factHhat united force never fails 
to produce capitah 

With this firm aim our gallant men went heartily to work, 
building first shanties from brush and clay, ploughing, plant- 
ing, fencing and road-making followed, and as soon as these 
first improvements were sufficiently advanced, we hesitated no 
longer in coming to assist in all we could. We cherished and 
encouraged, thus kejDt them always in good spirits, and our 
farm flourished, while if the men had been left by themselves, 
they might have become disheartened. 



— 1() — 

Nellie. — I can hardly realize liow you could manage a 
farm like this without sufficient capital. 

Mary. — Naturally, it could not be done without any means; 
every man and woman had to put up something for the 
purchase of implements seeds, provisions, etc. The men even 
worked in night-shifts, as it required only half the amount of 
tools; besides they were too anxious to get their prize as soon 
as possible, {icith a significant air) and it made them work as if 
their lives depended on it. 

Nellie. — Surely, such bright prospects must tickle any 
worthless dude to jump into a pair of Overalls and work like a 
man. {hearfih/ laughing). No prudent girl should care for a 
shiftless individual who is unwilling to build a home for him- 
self. But I would likewise despise a girl who disdainfully 
refuses to follow lier lover into the humblest hut. 

Mary. — They must certainly begin as unpretentiously as 
we did to equal our success,and you see, we have fine buildings, 
machinery and cattle, besides a small bank account for every 
child. 

But the greatest delight rests with our new family club 
and school-house, surrounded by spacious playgrounds. All 
children are sent there as soon as they are able to talk, being 
well cared for all day long by Florence, Charley's pretty wife, 
she is actually a second mother to them, and you will, as you 
know assist her soon, that she may daily rest herself a few 
hours, to brighten up for our evening lectures and social enter- 
tainments, of which she is an acknowledged leader. Indeed, our 
men are always enthusiastic over her, while the neighboring 
Indians call her admiringly " La Luz del Alba ". 

Nellie. — Truly, Florence is very charming and refined; I 
shall be happy to become soon of some service toiler. — 1 wonder 
whether she has ever done any rough farm work?. 

Mary. — Certainly, she walked behind the cultivator, singing 
and chatting with her fellow workers, which she would do sk 
cheerfully to-day had we no children to take care of. (Point- 
ing out of the ivindoiv) You see most of the timber planting 
up in the hills was done by her ; besides , in harvest time all 
hands are engaged, each playfully vying to excel the other. Now 
it is not far oft' when you may see for yourself, and I am sure 
that if ever you feel then sorry for anything in the world, it will 
be for the millions who never had a taste of such real happiness 
as our rural life offers to congenial brethren. You will also agree 
with us, that even a millionaire could not enjoy himself better 
than we do. 

Nellie. — I believe you Mary, no work can become un- 
pleasant the way it is done here, where all goes like play. For 
a fact, life on Merced Farm seems to be a continuous pic-nic. 



— 17 



while city life offers pitiful sights ; even well-to-do busme^.s 
merrusW madly about for gain and in search of nerve-shat- 
SS- iTleasur^s are worse off than the lowest worms and creep- 
ing fnlect of our garden hot-beds {school-tower dock str^kes 

Nellie. - Three o' clock, and the Yuma train has not 
passed yet. 

at the train. Barking of dogs; bellowing ot cattle. 

I love to see the cars, (with some excitement) Ah, there is 
Mamie coming! It is feeding time! 

Faint singing is heard, becoming more pronunced, and soon dies out 
again; Nellie closing window resumes her seat. 

How happy they always are ! . 

MARY.-Such is our first principle and there can ^e no mis- 

'''''^ Nellie -(TF.7/t co.m'd/o.O There, you have struck the most 
delic"estL Mary;iealousy is what P-^- ^^^^^^^^^^ 

much, that a great many g« f^^^^eaS^ * ^^^^^^^^^ 

fancy me or any other girl, {leazingiy) now wuuiu j 



about it? 



and killing each othe. f- eertainly seud l.im to you 

Siat'^Tu nl4 doXwhethei- Ins passion I to be punished or 



rewarded. 



NELLiE.-f>^/.aH.^ herJing<^rindension) I doubt it;I^^oubtit. 
MAm.-iGood natnredhj). Why should J^^'lJJ^^^; 
Albeft could acquire in your company only g^^;;^/ \f J^^^^^^^^^^^ 

sScessfX^^^ . . 11 

n;tt IF Indeed your statute rules are very wise to allow 
rL7. to brelk men's degrading and dangerous pas- 

angehc .^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ratlndness whereas "enturies of experience 



— 18 — 

cannot be modelled by any amount of fore ble restrictions, and 
moral progress must be sought whithout insanely denouncing 
the most inexorable laws of nature. 

Mary. — We found the golden road that leads into every 
one's heart, while it is as clear as sunlight that our great Master 
meant with His supreme doctrine of love, no mystery, convent- 
ional absurdity, or fraudulent complication. We are practicing 
the same at Merced Farm to the best of our ability,never dream- 
ing to have stubborn, smooth-tongued ministers stunt our na- 
tural righteousness and common sense. 

Nellie. — I really cannot understand, how in this enlightened 
age, religious creeds and love are merely valued as marketable 
conveniences, regardless of genuineness and unmindfull of 
its deplorable consequences. 

Mary. — Still, those noisy moral fiends wonder why millions 
drink their troubled minds into forgetfulness, insanity, crime, 
and perdition, while charitable Christians notice only, that pri- 
sons and asylums are steadily getting to narrow, and they keep 
on crying for more, when with some true sense of brotherly 
love useful citizens could be made of all, with but a small addi- 
tional expense. 

Nellie. — (Fixing her eyes in great surprise upon opposite 
door, and pointing to it.) How is it Mary, that I saw Albert 
there in the doorway? Could he have entered without being seen, 
or did he crawl through the other porch window to overhear 
our conversation? 

Mary, — (With a frightenedlool',hnt calmly). Tou must be mis- 
taken Nellie,Albert and Charley went into the hills at four o'clock 
this morning to investigate some mines which they imagine 
to have discovered. They will hardly return Ijefore dark, as they 
took lunch with them, besid es, eavesdropping is never done 
on our farm; there would be no motive for it, as we are always 
truthful and open-hearted towards each other; if townfolks 
could ever get used to that, detectives, police, auctioneers, 
saloon autocrats and numberless hitherto unproductive pro- 
fessionals would somewhat change their position, towards 
downtrodden humanity, and become actual benefactors of the 
surging masses. Even physicians would find a more useful 
field for their science and knowledge. 

Nellie. — Do you mean then, Mary, that people would not 
get sick? 

Mary. — Indeed they wouldn't ; physicians ought not to be 
in waiting for a call to the side of some unfortunate. It is just 
as contrary as are those numberless idly watching ministers, 
while millions go to their certain ruin, and thus it will continue 
as long as soul and life saving is being carried on hand in hand 
with arrocrance and ignorance. 



— 19 — 

Nellie. — But what else could they do, Mary? 

Mary. — Knowledge and prevention is better than cure, and 
of course, profitable to all parties. On Merced Farm, we 
have neither physician nor preacher, but if it should be- 
come necessary to employ them , strictest attention to 
their duty, would be our principal claim. We would 
oblige the former to give us, and especially, to our chil- 
dren regular hygienic instructions, directing the preparation 
of meals, amount of work and exhileration, social plays, general 
movements and gymnastic exercises, — in short everything that 
goes to preserve health and comfort of body, while the spiritual 
adviser would give us interesting and scientific lectures, such 
as intelligent persons daily require; above all, he should sternly 
censure public outragers, and see that our little ones are con- 
stantly warned against bad habits, religious superstitio^i, and 
downright hypocrisy; the very root of all human monstruosity. 

Nellie. — "Why, this is exactly the opposite of what we 
were taught at the orphan asylum!" 

Mary. — Most assuredly , not only contrary to asylum 
teaching, but difterent from the unsystematized mock-education 
as is customary throughout the civilized world. (Stress). Now, 
we don't propose to raise modernized savages as others do, for 
the mere imitation sake, and you have seen how bright and well 
behaved our children are under the sensible treatment of strict 
parents as well as under the careful training of mother Florence. 
Thus, our children will undoubtedly improve future generations 
as far as ethics and sound principles are concerned. 

Nellie. — (Sighing) Ah, how I do admire Florence! It makes 
me sad to think of not having had the fortune to receive in time 
such necessary teachings and sublime iraming. (Hopefully) How 
happy would I be to assist her, while with my former mistress I 
was obliged to trod, behind her haughty girls with an armful 
of books such as astronomy, mathematics, electricity and the 
like of heavy trash; the more they knew the more brutal they 
became and the less human sense they retained! 

Mary. — Those giddy town— folks never think of giving 
their children a fair chance; instead of that, they fill their tender 
brains with cold science, pagan religion, or fashionable tricks 
of some sort, however it rarely occurs to them that first of all, 
good behavior to parents and fellow beings is most essential, 
while love for nature's beauties is next to be cultivated in every 
young heart. 

Nellie. — (Jumps up with a cry of terror; pointiiig at opposite 
door). For heavens sake, Mary, look there! Do you see him? 

Mary. — (Drops the basket ivith beans in turning sharply around; 
dumbfounded) OhJGod! Albert, what has happened? Why did you 
return so unexpectedly? (Jumping up ivith outstretched arms and 



— 20 — 

a cry of Itorror) Wliat is it? Tell me; what on earth makes you 
look so pale? {Jlary corcriiKj /icrface tuith apron ainks back into 
chair quietly sobbing) Oh, mv! oh, my! 

Nellie. — {IVith frinyJitened gesture) Awfully strange — his 
disappearing without answering a word! 

Mary. — Dear Nellie, you don't know, hut I am sure some- 
thing terrible must have happened to Albert! — His mysterious 
apparition is a warning omen. 

Nellie. — Why do you think so, Mary ? 

Mary. — (Cnlmly) He remarked on awakening, this morning, 
that it was just ten years, since his memorable interview with 
Mabel took place. 

Nellie. — Don't torment yourself Mary, with unfounded 
anxiety ; it is getting dark and they must be home in a few mi- 
nutes anyway. 

Mary. — {Bcstlessly ivalking the Jloor) I wish the children 
would come that we might ^en^... {stepping to the tvindoiv relieved) 
Ah, there is Charlie! He is running, and yonder by those fig-trees 
a group of men approaching (excitedly) Nellie, Nellie! They are 
carrying something... It is my Albert! — It must be him! [She 
sinks despondently in a chair) Oil, why did I let him go? It is my 
fault my stupid indifference, I could have averted the accident. 
( Weeping softly). 

Nellie. — (Consolmgly) Don't be so hard on yourself — 
there is no accident yet that we know of. 

Mary. — I am too sure there is; (Getting up with firmness and 
resolution) I must not however give way to grief; it is against our 
rules and human reason; we are all supposed to bear bravely 
whatever falls to our lot. 

Charley. 

Stumbling in, breathlessly sinks into a chair. Red flannel shirt, white 
overalls, blue scarf, farmer's straw hat with green ribbon. 

Mary. — (Beseechingly stepping to his side) Tell me, what 
has happened to him, Charley? 

Charley. — (Astonished) How on earth do you know anything 
happened? Was Mabel also here looking for him? 

Mauy.— (Sharply) What did you say? Mabel... Ma...bel 
(incoherently stamviering) loo. ..king for him..? Oh, God, then he 
is gone forever!.. She has taken my Albert! 

Charley. — No, she has not. (Mary looking up surprised). 
She only called him, as I understand. 

Mary. — Called him? (i-eltemently) He is then alive? Why 
are you frightening me so cruelly, Charley? (Placing her hands 
upon her heart). 



— 21 - 

Charley. — (Earnestly) Sit down Mary, and compose your- 
self... We must take things as they come,— Albert lives; he will 
Srobably be all right again by to-morrow morning. — In fact, 
e is now only suffering from the effects of the great quantity 
of whiskey which we made him swallow a little while ago. 

Mary. — {Indignantly) For God's sake! Have you turned mad 
Charley? How dare you do such a thing? Do you mean to make 
him a tough again, such as he used to be years ago when I 
despised him? 

Nellie. — {Modestly) No, Mary, I think, Charley meant good 
by him — Was not Albert bitten by a reptile, Charley? 

Charley. — You have it Nellie, a large rattler bit him. 

Mary. — {Raising her arms) Gracious! How did that happen? 
Pray, tell me all about it, and make it short, Charley! 

Charley. — {Gets uj), Nellie sitting). It came like this: — "In 
crossing the second canyon we heard a most pitiful cry, re- 
sembling a girl's moaning in great distress." It startled us, 
causing me to fall into the creek, while Albert with three jumps 
reached the old Spruce stump at the other side, where _ he 
stopped with transfixed eyes to embrace some imaginary object 
on top of the old stump. But oh, horrors! I also perceived at the 
same instant a huge snake angrily shaking its tail while 
Albert, unmindful of liis dangerous jDosition slowly exclaimed: 
"Oh, Mabeh! I did hear your call last night, and am ready 
to follow you. "At that moment I shouted a sharp cry of 
warning, — it was too late. — Albert fell exhausted to the ground, 
after the ugly snake struck him, and just when I reached the 
spot with a big boulder to dispatch the reptile, it had dis- 
appeared. Then, without losing time, I ran to the old Mexican's 
cabin, to ask for help; and when we got back again, we poured 
about two pints of whiskey down Albert's throat. Of course 
that made him unconscious, but he will soon recover. At 
last, they are bringing him hither! 

Men enter -witli the prostrate form. All in farmers costume, like 
Charley's. Mary assists in laying the body on the cot; then placing 
her hand upon his forehead. 

Mary. — {Shaking her head). Oh, my poor Albert! — He is 
quite cold, — he will not live Charley, just examine his pulse; 
there is no noticeable beating. [Children's singing is heard 
outside.) The ]30or children are now merrily coming home to 
find their share of life's sorrow just beginning. {Charlie examines 
Alherfs heart.) 

Emily nine, and Edward seven years old; both enter eager and happy 
hesitatingly kissing their mother and Nellie. 

Emily. — Dear mamma; are you crying? Why is papa so pale? 
( Glancing in a terrijied way all around.) 



— 22 — 

Charley. — The heart's action has stopped. — His duty was 
over, and Mabel called him. 

Maey. — {Solemnly taking the children to the bedside.) May such 
be her will; — she saved him, and she called him. Children, 
kiss your father good bye; he is gone forever! 

TABLEAU. 

More farmers are filing in, leading their wives and children. Emily and 
Edward kneel down to kiss the prostrate form. Women's regulation 
farm costume: — -gray brightened with cardinal colored ribbons; girls, 
light blue and pink. Children's pink and white, all with flowers in 
their hair; boys' white and blue, leading each a girl, form 
the first circle around the afllicted group at the bedside. The back 
wall being shifted discloses the elegant farm on the shores of Salton 
Lake. A group of Indians and Mexicans solemnly approaching. Two 
miniature trains are seen crossing, accompanied with its accustomed 
rumbling. Barking of dogs, neighing and bellowing of distant cattle. 
Grand illumination, while on the hilltops, Mabel is seen mounted on 
a ponderous dragoon, sword in her right, assists with her left 
Albert to mount. His hair and flannel shirt now ghstens with tinsel. 
They are both rising upon a cloud and powerful trumpeting is heard. 

Mabel's costume: hght blue riding skirt with silver stars and gold 
trimmed; bodice and sleeves of purple velvet with rich embroidery; 
tastefully jewelled crown, and flowing from it a white lace veiling; 
gold trimmed silver wings, glass beads and tinsel. 

{Planet curtain.) ♦ 




ACT III. 



SCENE I. 

ENCHANTING SEASHORE LANDSCAPE IN VENUS. 

Pyramidal floral hill visible through tivansparent cascades, forms back- 
gi-ound;lyresbai5ed trees bearing beautifully hued flowers, diamonds 
feathers, golden and silver fruits, etc. To the left a crystal pavilion 
with throne, upon which a queen in full state, surrounded by court 
ladles is seated. In front some thirty genii and fairies singing the 
welcome of Venus. "El Bienido a Venus", while dancing around 
the tastefully decorated silk ribbon pole. Supported by the stout 
ribbons, they tiirn occasionally complete somersaults. On the right. 
Albert upon yellow velvet divan, just awakening, supports his head 
by leaning it on his arm ; he watches in a dazed manner the conclu- 
sion of this strange spectacle, whUe Mabel from behind fans h.'m. 
Fairies separate into social groups. 

Albert. — How beautiful! How sweet! Where am I? It looks 
as if I were in heaven... and you with me, angel Mabel? Won't you 
please tell me how and when did I come here? 

Mabel. — You have been travelling on horseback with me 
for fifty 3'ears. (Albert jumps up.) Yes Albert, for fully fifty 
years, that need not frighten you. The earth is rather far on; 
however our journey passed like a dream, since time counts as no- 
thing here; I hope you will soon become accustomed to it. 

Albert. — But tell me, sweet Angel, where are we, and who 
are those beautiful beings over there? Is that not the Queen in 
the center? 

Mabel. — Truly, so you may call her; she is the Queen of 
Love, the Queen of Venus. It's in this magnificent planet that we 
are at the present. 

Albert.— It seems, that the enchanting fairies around here 
are waiting for us. The Queen is now beckoning to you. Oh, what 
kind expression is on her face!.. What a glorious world this is!.. 
I certainly have a great desire to hear what they have to say. 

Both advancing towards the throne are greeted with low bows by the 
sweetly smiling fairies. 

Mabel. — (Introducing) Queen Palas of Venus! This brother 
of ours was lost. I succeeded in saving him while he has sin- 
eerily been doing his part; — receive him according to merits. 

Queen. — (Raising her right hand) Albert,happy soul! Heaven 
has assisted you to save yourself and others. We ofter you 
a hearty welcome to this loveliest of all planets, the celebrated 



— 24 — 

morniii<jf star, wliere all crood souls are received for promotion 
to guardian angels, gaining here strength and power to conquer 
the evils of ill-guided humanity. 

She arises and kisses him on cheek, covering his shoulders with her 
regal purple cloak and decorates his head ^\'ith her crown; attendants 
giving her another crown and cloak ; electric light raised on to the 
group. 

You are now decorated Prince of Venus; all upon this 
planet is at your command. Sisters, honor him; bestow love and 
devotion by singing, j)laying and instructing him; let the fair 
prince see all the charms of this paradise, — the lovely gardens 
with speaking flowers, the sea of silver, fountains of gold, 
trees of diamonds, seraphins and fairies floating through air 
and water, dwarfs and giants in caverns and volcanos; all and 
everything he must see and know. Let Jupiter be merciful 
unto him! 

Mabel. — First receive tlie kiss of welcome from your sis- 
ters; such being the custom in this land of happiness, the poeti- 
cal eve' and morning star. I loved you dearly, and felt there- 
fore happier in giving up my life to let Mary see after your 
comforts, while I, assisted by all Venus' angels attended to your 
soul's wants. (Kisses him). 

Albert. — {enrajitured) What grand example for earth's jeal- 
ous denizens! If unfortunate mortals could but unite to act 
loving and conscientiously as is done here, would not the earth 
be a paradise equal to Venus? 

PbEGiNA. — Albert my happy brother! All human beings have 
as long as is practicable and possible several angels leadmg, 
working and protecting them. Were it not for this, most would 
by natural causes get killed or maimed before maturity. 
Every mother is aware of her darling's guardian, and so I 
was listening in the cemetery to your self-reproaches; I un- 
derstood your deep sorrow and advanced spirit, subse- 
quently I recognized that unlimited benefits could be done 
through the nobility of your heart. You only needed encour- 
agement, and opportunity to reform; accordingly, in order not to 
frighten you, Mabel was detailed to comunicate with you; now 
you are nearly past all trouble. I shall always remain your 
devoted sister Regina (kisses him.). 

Albert. — Regina, my dear sister! Did you then know that I 
was to be here some day, saved and happy? 

Felicl^.. — We always know what is going on upon earth, 
and help first those,who by strong experience, and personal hu- 
miliation become fitted to receive heavenly revelations. We teach 
them to utilize the great forces of nature, which in time will 
yield to men their most hidden secrets,but could not have been 
wholly discovered as long as human intelligence remained 



-- 25 — 

obscured by moral, uational, religious, mercenary and otlier 
fanaticism. 

Those indestructible social parasites keep constantly cov- 
ered the entire ground, suffocating and crippling our ten- 
der plants almost before they are well started. 888 Thousand 
million Venus souls are untiringly engaged upon earth, show- 
ing to ill-guided humanity how essential it is to completely 
destroy the hitherto unchecked growth of parasites. 

Some sensible and conscientious gardeners have actually 
made faint attempts to do so; but they were unluckily persuaded 
by unscrupulous parasite-feeders, that the barren ground would 
present too desolate au appearance; thus no serioiis efforts were 
made to quench this overwhelming eYil.{solemnhj )A\hert\ You are 
one of the first who heeded our well meant advise; you not only 
destroyed all creeping things that were in your reach, but you 
put most valuable new seeds into the soil, and as astonishing re- 
sults were almost instantaneous ; other celebrated gardeners 
came along to see... they are now only beginning to see, their 
intentions are honest, they mean business and ere long the great 
cry will echo from land to land for more fresh air and clean 
seeds; then sure enough all hands will gladly take hold of the 
powerful cultivator; — the world will be saved once more and 
starving humanity shall have a fair chance to harvest rich crops 
at the next season. Saved souls will again be permitted to enter 
triumphantly in Venus, receive therefore the kiss of welcome 
from your sister Felicia, {hissing him). 

Albert. — Indeed, those clumsy rotten logs of dogmas, hav- 
ing been piled up for centuries, are now hurriedh' finishing up 
the grand stake; no more to destroy heretics, but to illuminate 
with its fires the gloom of orthodoxy and ^o fertilize with its 
ashes all unbroken ground. — How I wish for a glimpse of my 
home at Salton Lake ! 

Lucia. — Do not worry about earthly memories, my brother; 
— all of your friends are well, although they must, as you did,bear 
their share of human suffering and toil which tends to cul- 
tivate soul , making it susceptible for real earthly, as well as 
everlasting happiness. — You will soon be united again with all 
your dear ones. Take my kiss of welcome, {Kissing him ) and 
this celestial mirror by which you may see some earthly 
scenes. 

Lights low; faint organ sounds. She rapidly revulvea the mirror, 
turning Albert in a position to face the audience; places the triangu- 
lar glittering hand-mirror point upwards into his left hand, and 
retires. Meanwhile all decorations being removed, a few fairies 
remain in the rear. 

Albert. — {Placing one hand upon temple) Is it possible! Can 
all what I see exist? It looks like a road made of cobwebs, 
extending from earth to Venus. 



— 26 — 

Fairies. — (hi chorus from above and below ground.) The very 
road you came, happy brother! 

Queen. — Yes, my dear, you came that silvery road; it starts 
from the North pole, and as you see, is rocked by the rapid 
motions of Earth and Venus. 

Albert. — Indeed, it is rising and falling like large ocean 
waves, and what beauty! The road is full of fairies, greeting 
each other smilingly iia their lofty flights, some of them mounted 
upon fire spouting horse-dragoons. ( Organ sounds increase lokile 
dairies ar'e res])onding). 

Fairies. — (m chorus.) The horses of Hestia! The horses of 
Hestia, happy brother! 

Albert. — They are bringing earthly wanderers. 
Fairies. — (as before.) Saved souls, noble souls, like you, 
dear brother! 

Albert. — How nicely one can distinguish the earth! — It 
looks like a luminous metal globe; I can now see quite plainly 
our country. 

All the described scenes appearing at this instant upon the curtain in 
the rear of stage, while the locations of New York and salton Lake in 
Southern California are marked by green stars. 

Albert. — (Li extacy.) Lucia, dear sister! This sight alone 
is worth ten good lives upon earth. 



SCENE IT. 
Mabel. 

stepping up takes the mirror from Albert and after revolving it 
rapidly, returns it to him. 

Now, look again, but don't get frightened! No soul is so 
perfect as not to require some purification and humiliation. 

Scene upon curtain vanishes; Albert looking at mirror with expression 
of deep horror. 

Albert. — Oh, too terrible: a continuous mass of humanity 
dropping from earth; there must be thousands, and such a 
terrific plunge; men, women and children of all classes! — Laborers 
soldiers, capitalists, priests and ministers, murderers and 
deceivers, all alike anticipating now only the result of the 
fearful fall into space;— they are falling, still falling! 

Fairies. — (Aloud.) The fall of lost, mean sonls, over 3000 
every hour. (Scene as described appears upon curtain). 



— 27 — 
Horrible whirling in Jupiter: 

starts with lightning and thunderbolts. Human beings dropping in 
a heap are then flung about; cries of terror and anguish. Dense 
sandstorm swallows Albert, fairies, and darliens everything. Finally 
grinding motion of Jupiters revolving belts, every other band 
moving in counter — direction; gradually clearing up again \\ith fine 
sand rain, discloses 



SCENE III. 
Mercury Grotto. 

° Rough cliffs shining in all bronze colorings, overgrown with large 

bronze coral trees, bearing diamonds; gold and silver rains and sjjrings 
from crevices. 

Albert. — {dazed and maimed picks himself vp.) Gracious! 
What a horrible experience that was! (Court ladies ajjjjearing 
one hy one from crevices.) Those thundering clouds of sand and 
dust, heated by the terrific whirling motion; such awful grindino' 
of the cruel relentless belts of God knows what an unearthly 
substance. {A shudder runs through his frame.) Br...rr...rr...rr...r, 
br...rr...rr...rr...r, the penetrating cries of men, women, and 
children, and then all became dark... pitch dark. I never knew 
whether I was standing upon my feet or upon my head. In my 
last glimpse I saw thousands of unfortunates disappearing into 
a rapidly revolving funnel, {sorrowfully) and the despairing 
looks of friends and relatives! 

How many souls are thus devoured in great Jupiter? No 
wonder its volume equals 1,400 times that of the earth!(/?e observes 
3Iabel.) 

Mabel. — {Unconcernedhj) Here we are again sound and safe 
my Prince, but you look very much frightened indeed! 

Albert. — {Relieved.) I should think it was enough to frigh- 
ten anybody; nay to punish even the hardest sinner. 

Queen. — Great Jupiter's lesson of universal motion serves 
to arouse transitory idlers to full realization. Every soul has 
to suffer it. You got off easy and sliould not worry, since you 
had the rare privilege to remain upon the fifty thousand kilo- 
meters floating observatory, where all who jjractically served 
their fellow beings are received. 

Albert. — Luckily it lasted only for a few moments {Fairies 
laugh). 

Eegina. — So it may appear to you, my brother; but it is a 
long time since you left Y mus. 

Felicia.— Yes, indeed; the distance betwen Venus and Ju- 
piter is over 700,000,000 kilometers. 



— 28 — 

Lucia. — And you have been in great Jupiter's embrace 
over a century , the ejection from there being effected by 
centripetal force, depends entirely upon the soul's gravity; thus, 
you see, all judgment is accomplished automatically, with in- 
finite precision and absolute impartiality. There is no ven- 
geful deity , unequitable judge , immature law - imposters , 
corruptive jurors, or any such human vagaries in all God's 
realms, 

Albeet. — Another merciful providence of nature in this 
wise creation! How wonderful is the world! Mortals have no 
conception of its greatness; they know nothing l)eyond the 
earth with its surging mass of detestable slave-traders and pro- 
fessional soul-killers, few of whom ever stop to reason abo©t 
the probable use of so many stars and planets. 

Mabel. — You are right brother, not one of those heavenly 
bodies exist's simply to decorate the dark skies, but to afford 
shelter for creatures of varying nature and peculiarities. 

Albeet. — {looking shyly about) I'd like to know on what 
planet we are now? I see no sign of life, all being lava, rock and 
metals, and what an intense heat! I'd take it for Mercury. 

(Clattering resounds throiighout the grotto; little fellows ■with rotund 
bodies apjiear high and low through crevices, finally congregating, 
sing the Queen's refrain, falling upon their knees and touching the 
ground with their foreheads whenever the word"Palas" is pronunced 
the third time; suddenly a boulder moves rattling sideways and Xylio- 
palka hobbles up from below, heavily treading and blowing searches 
nervously about; finally stops before the queen with a low bow. 

Dwarfs costume: large double pointed iron sandals, red flannel trousers, 
canary colored shirts, large blue whiskers, beards and hair of same 
color reaching almost to the ground; donkey's ears, gilded eagle's claws 
and beaks, red faces, green spectacle-frames with diamonds in cen- 
tre, horses tails. Boss Xyliopalka little taller, uglier, and more ro- 
tund, immense cone-shaped log of gold in right hand. 

Xyliopalka. — My workers are always happy to do whatever 
Queen Palas of Venus demands. What is your desire ? 

Queen. — Let the little subjects rest. Boss ; my Prince will 
take great delight in seeing them joyful. 

Dwarfs clapping hands jump dexterously according to Xyliopalka' s 
time strokes. 

Albeet. — "Well done, Boss of Mercury, you keep your little 
folks in admirable discipline, while scientific men on earth be- 
lieve Mercury to be uninhabitable. 

Xyliopalka. — {indignantly) Your self-complacent scientific 
men know far less than my little workers do. In fact, human 
beings are extremely conceited, stubborn and ignorant; not 
so much on account of a defective constitution, as for the 
complete want of such physical and mental training which is ne - 
cessary to comprehend and appreciate the sublime laws of 



— 29 — 

creation, as they are found engraved upon every page in the 
open book of nature. {Xyliopalka snmis loildly). 

Men should unite; every one contributing his best, instead 
of basely speculating to get the best of his fellow-beings. What 
could we Mercurians do, were each to imagine himself superior 
and justified in arrogantly compelling others to gather the blos- 
soms and fruits of labor without an equal return? 

Albekt. — Eeally, there seems to be great contentment 
among your liliputian subjects. — What is their chief occu- 
pation ? 

Xyliopalka. — We have certainly no such comfortable planet 
as earth's ungrateful mortals; but we do know that only by 
good will, and strict co-operation the grandest results may 
be attained. It is quite certain that if human beings would 
work unitedly as inferior Mercurians do, they would be able to 
perform equally great feats with less difficulty. It is 800,000,000 
years since we Ijegan breaking rocks and boulders from the sun 
to build Mercury with, and v^e expect soon to turn the hitherto 
dark hemisphere towards the aU invigorating rays; but you 
see, it will still require many centuries of combined efforts, 
until we can enjoy organic life, such as is possible in more ad- 
vanced -p\BJieis.{Hoarsely laugh{ng)Wha,t a pity it is for beautiful 
mother earth to have her carry such silly children, who believe 
in a fictitious god, to create within 6 days a world with all in 
and upon it. 

Albekt. — Say, Boss Xyliopalka, have any of your subjects 
previously worked, in other planets? 

Xyliopalka. — A great many of them; there are millions in 
all parts of the great universe constantly busy in breaking 
down and constructing stars, comets, and planets; they perform 
their duties with great ability, and by availing themselves of 
the most powerful combinations of nature's forces, all work is 
securely and quickly accomplished. {Hoarsely laughs.) What 
a fun it was to watch deceitful, helpless mortals at their Pana- 
ma ditch! Ha ha child's play! If they would only go about it 
with the earnest zeal,as some ancient nations did at their grand 
monumental constructions thousands of years ago. 

Why, that very Isthmus has been built by gigantic men for 
similar purposes as railway surveys are now progressing in 
that same region! 

Heavy rambling, thunder and lightning; immense bonlder about 10 feet 
high loosening itself, moves rapidly towards centre ©f stage; half a 
dozen dwarfs vehemently pushing it behind, occasionally falling one 
of them full length face downwards. Some smaller boulders being 
pushed by one or two wildly laughing and gesticulating fellows; 
others motionless • 



— 30 — 
Albert. — [Startled) An earthquake! an earthquake! 

Xyliopalka. — A mercury quake, or whatever you may be 
pleased to call it. They simply wish to give you an idea with 
what facilfty and enthusiasm they can bring life into rock and 
metal. 

Albert. — (Surprisedly) Indeed, they do! I wonder where 
these chaps come from! They do not seem to have been born in 
Mercury. 

Xyliopalka. — Quite true, there is as yet no place in our 
planet to hatch anything. All came from the earth after they 
passed the jurisdiction of great Jupiter, and here they remain 
until they have finished their job cf building their own paiadise. 

Albert. — They are here then under sentence to hard labor, 
as I understand. 

Xyliopalka. — Very much like that; at any rate, they must 
first learn that gold and precious stones are not to be coveted, 
but instead, union, peace, and progress. (Solemnly) Mercurians 
have been without exception, insane money fiends, misers, 
power abusing ambitious leaders, and the like; having however 
committed no other serious offense, they were leniently thrown 
here among precious metals and glistening gems, where they 
would get a fair chance to acquire due appreciation of all what 
they despised so stubbornly in their earthly career. 

No green fields, shining waters, blue skies, gentle animals 
or any of earth's beautiful creations are here to gladden the 
hearts of gloomy Mercurians. No, not for thousands of tons of 
gold! Why, they would be ready to lift the whole planet itself 
into the sun, if they dared to express their sentiments to lovely 
fellow-beings, but, alas, alas! There is no hope for such happi- 
ness until Mercury will be advanced like Venus which requires 
many centuries more of hard later. 

Albert. — Is it possible Boss, are there no women amongst 
them? 

Xyliopalka. — (contemptuously) Hi, hi; women! Half of my 
chaps have been capricious belles, idly draging wives, or 
prosperous widows; all scornfully pushing aside less fortunate 
fellow-beings. Jupiter never recognized their earthly supre- 
macy; thus here they are,worrying for having forfeited tlie ident- 
ity even of their sex. They rightly deserve this punishment, 
for woman without a womanly heart has no right to be a woman. 

Work is wholesome for them; treasures is what they were 
after. — Here they have found both plentifully. 

Dwarfs kissing ground burst into stiffled wailing. 

Albert. — How wise is Nature's own sentence in giving 
every soul a chance to find what best suits! 



— 31 — 

Mabel. — luexhorable boss! We have heard in your cloini- 
nions much that is of interest, and would like to have the 
Prince see your subjects at their usual occupation. Please give 
the starting signal, and order a fast comet Cyclodron to be 
made, upon which we shall continue our journey after visiting 
the caverns of diamonds and crystal. 

Xyliopalka knocks with gold bar, clwarfs begin hand clapping and jump 
crying: "Chiqniriticos, chiquiriticos, chiqniriticos, " then busying 
themselves with heavy gold chains, pincers, etc. ; white tires start as 
if by magic, hissing of steam, heavy strokes from deep under and 
above ground; boulders move; principle furnace forms an immense 
woman's head; dwarfs sitting alternately upon a shovel, sliding in 
front of the furnace's mouth, jump into the fire, causing the flames 
to shoot up forming the horrible furnace's head dress. Albert, horri- 
fied calls attention to it, while Xyliopalka dances with delight; at 
this the visitors leave, soon returning from the other side, when an 
awful peal of thunder followed by a rattling, hissing, combination of 
sounds startles Albert; next moment the finished comet drops to his 
feet all ablaze; dwarfs clap hands and dance. 

Xyliopalka. — {Boiving) Palas, Palas! Queen of Yenus! Here 
you have the fastest comet that has ever passed the heavens; 
500,000 dwarfs have been constructing and equiping it for over 
a century, they wish the kind Queen to remember them. 

Albert mounts first, then Qiaeen and others; comet begins to glow, and 
starts with uplifted nose and revolving his arms steamingly up- 
wards amid enthusiastic applause of dwarfs who lift the big boulder 
high into the air. 

{Planet curtain.) 




ACT IV. 

SCENE L 
IN satukn's atmosphere. 

Burning and hissing comet head foremost strikes the ground with 
raised arm enveloping itself completely into a dense cloud of blue 
steam, and disappears; disclosing the entire party after steam cleared 
away; scene foggy dark sjjace; stage floor con vexed slightly upwards, 
tinted greenish blue. 

Alberrt. — {Confused) What a lengtliy fliglit that was to 
silent Saturn, over thirteen hundred million kilometers, with 
only a short stop at planet Mars! Well, all went smoothly, 
while we had a jolly time with the red headed fighters over 
there. What a great blessing would it be, if they could preserve 
jDeace! But they must unceasingly tug at, and trash each other, 
as this seems to be the only way by which they can keep warm, 
whereas on earth they were unable to keep cool. 

Mabel. — Do you remember, brother, what comet Hyper- 
bolicon said when we met him on his heavenly mission near 
Mars? 

Albert. — Yes, I do, he told us that we have to get first 
accustomed to saturns atmosphere before we could see anything, 
and that the inhabitants are frequently absent, taking fligths to 
their satellites or the musical ring. 

Queen. — Then, let us sit down and await developments. 
The first greenish satellite appears about three feet in diameter. 

Begina. — Now, look there! 

Lucia. — How pretty? That is Titan, the great satellite, 
from which they adjust and regulate high power magnetic 
currents of all visible planets. 

Felicia. — When will ossified mortals fully appreciate the 
fact that invisible induction-coils keep them agoing and think- 
ing, brings life into seeds and ripens their favorite fruits? 

Queen. — Why, every animal on earth knows this simple 
law of nature and lives devotedly in accordance with it; 
insensate man however to his own detriment imagines to be 
entitled to a special reward for oi^posing the divine laws at 
every step and turn. 



Mabel. — We came just iu time to see the immense tower 
with its magnetophone, where the sonorous voices are kept. 

A shadow resembling Eiffel Tower is becoming visible all over the 
Moon's face. 

Lucia. — Now, attention! We will get the latest news from 

the darkest far beyond spheres, where personally we could 

not go. 

Harmonious gong sounds, thence a tremendous voice from above by 
using a speaking tube. 

Voice. — Comet Venganza collided with the green sun, pro- 
ducing an impressive celestial blaze which illuminated Planet 
Milliolique so brilliantly, that seraphs and archangels as- 
sembled in a spheric dance, inviting genii and fairies from 
neighboring planets to join. All were so highly charmed, that it 
was decided not to interfere for 30,000,000 years with the green 
Sun's glistening, {described sceiie appears upon rear curtain). 

Mabel. —What a pity it is, that we cnnot see any of this 
brightness, as it will take at the least, 500,000 years until the 
rays of the green light will have penetrated the immense 
distance! 

Queen. — {Addressing Albert.) Yes, my dear! Heaven is a 
long way off, and certainly not so easily reached as ministers 
are trying to make their unsuspecting disciples believe, while 
they themselves will find it extremely difficult to get there. 

Voice. — {from above.) Volcanos and comets of that entire 
system contributed to this splendor by emitting precious stones 
of all colors and sizes. There was for almost three thousand 
years no such rejoicing in the heavens, being now held to cele- 
brate the latest important steps taken on the earth towards 
moral and spiritual progress, by openly recognizing the utmost 
fallacy and misapplication of Churchianizm. {Faint organ sounds). 

Described scenes appear upon curtain followed by two half-moons 
representing typical orthodox faces of man and woman, fronting 
each other; a moment later two full-moon faces of same character, 
each differently hued, expressing disappointment become visible. 

Kegina. — Look, other Satellites! Now we may soon meet 
some lonesome giants floating through this chilling clerical night 
air, as they are constantly chasing each other in dark space. 

Albert. — What marvels there are in our planetary sys- 
tem ! If mortals had even a faint notion of the simplest 
laws of evolution. — Alas! Most important knowledge about Na- 
ture became lost in the fierce religious struggles of remote cen- 
turies, while modern science is in many respects still in its 
infancy. 

Felicia. — You are right, although not only science but every 
department of legal vice and wholesale fraud has successfully 



— 34 — 

been pointed down to certain strict formulas, called christian 
civilization. There are absurd I'ules for everythiuf^, making it 
impossible for even the clearest heads to follow their own ra- 
tional ideas; thus people are born, raised, and die automatons 
since few are able, under prevailing conditions, to take lessons 
from Nature, or would consider Christianity as the sublime 
doctrine of love, without which it is a cruel farce, much 
worse than paganism; the latter destroying occasionally human 
life, the former killing souls by the millions not even sparing 
the most helpless innocent little ones. 

(The five satellites are moving and giant master Jexidrol slowly descen- 
ding from Titan appears first very small, rapidly increases until 
presenting himself to the size of eight feet, stationery fioats in mid 
air his solemn half-moon face constanly turned towax-ds Titan rests 
upon a long thin neck, decorated with large i-osary beads; arms form 
bat-like wings, body ending in a long stout fish tail; all brilliantly 
colored; wings and tail in constant motion, also changing hue; 
Jexidrol without having been observed falls in with his deep voice. 

Jexidrol. — This obscurity is soon to give way to original 
human spirit as made after the image of God. — Prince Albert 
pursued the only proper course in establishing a regenerated 
Christian family club, by which real happiness and sound morals 
are attained in strict conformity with the unalterable theology 
of human nature. 

Lucia. — Yerily, our brother recognized that men must 
not live like wild and ferocious animals in their unaccessible 
mountain dens, he founded therefore beautiful Merced Farm 
upon the most charming and useful principles of social co-ope- 
ration, as sister Mabel advised him to do. He is now, Master 
Jexidrol, thoroughly qualified to receive his last heavenly 
mission. 

Three new satellites appear; the first of oriental features; next a re- 
volving t.abor; thirdly, a four-winged star, showing a monk's purjile 
face — each three feet diameter. 

Mabel. — (Pointing upivards) The last satellites, heaven's 
guards and crow scares, 

Jexidrol. — Prince of Venus ; you are welcomed in all 
spheres! "Who should not be pleased Avith your earthly career? 
The gates of heaven will fly open, whenever such be your desire, 
it is however the ardent wish of souls in the whole universe, that 
you should return to continue on earth your invaluable servi- 
ces of forming and establishing also in cities such model 
family clubs, as has been successfully organized at Salton 
Lake. — Gather despairing men and friendless yearning women, 
all need a kind word, a loving heart, a human home. 

You may now start without delay at the great metropolis 
under the flaming torch of liberty, where for years past the good 
Genii have been preparing a solid foundation for the gigantic 



— 35 — 

liglit-house whose rays are to guide in future the ill-fated crafts 
of all nations during their most perilous voyages through the 
dark and stormy oceans of social misery. 

Albert. — I am ready to return and will do my utmost to 
comply with this universal desire. 

Jexidrol. — We thank you sincerely my dear Prince, there 
is not the slightest doubt that immediate success will at last 
crown our combined efforts. — I am sorry that we are unable to 
offer you greater attractions in our monotonous planet. 

Albert. — Master Jexidrol! Are you not suffering and wor- 
rying on account of the extreme monotony here? 

jExroROL. — Not at all, as there are nine hundred billion 
giant souls in Saturn, all very busy and anxiously guarding for 
the progi-ess and salvation of each other, this being what we so 
utterly neglected while on earth. Of course, now we know 
nothing about religious, national, or other hatreds, since social 
conveniences by articulation are denied us, in order to make 
us susceptible for more intelligent thought and actions than 
incrusting temple wdiisperiugs; though as a due compensation 
for useful works really performed, we can in many parts of 
our planet avoid the toils of gravity, ennabling us tlius to visit 
at pleasure our Satellites, and the great puzzle of earthly 
scientists, our magnificent musical ring. 

Albert. — I see you enjoy great advantages over ordinary 
beings. Do you also receive tidings from other planets besides 
the speaking tower of Titan? 

Jexidrol.— Yes, some times from comets; most of them call 
here on their journeys for a fresh supply of atmosphere, when 
they good-naturedly tell us all what they have seen in their 
eternal flights. 

Albert. — They must be excellent spies. I have frequently 
thought of securing one of those slick fellows for the sake of 
making a spherical journey. 

Mabel. — My brother; that would never work, because no 
comet could ever penetrate the dense earth-atmosphere; but 
human beings may soon enough be enabled to make heavenly 
trips in a similar fashion to that,in which we are travelling. 

Albert. — And in what particular fashion is it that we are 
travelling? 

Queen. — (astonished) Ah, my Prince! You ought to have 
found that out long ago; why, without flesh, we carry no weighty 
bodies since we advanced by personal efforts so far as to jjene- 
trate space with our free souls! 

Begina. — You will understand this better when your libe- 
rated soul becomes again encased in its earthly envelope. 



— 36 — 

Felicia. — Nature's fast mail service of soul acts with 
mathematical precision, your's representing simply a planets 
round trip soul. 

Soft organ sounds; Saturn's ring becomes faintly visible as a broad 
semicircle. Albert confused. 

Lucia. — {Pointing to ring.) Do not get downhearted dear 
brother; look at this beautiful light! 

Albert.— (Admiringh/.) Wonderful ! 

Faiiiies. — {In chorus.) Let us listen to Saturn's concert! 

The 8 satelites each one handling a musical instrument are again 
plainly visible. Party sitting down, while ring under increasing 
sounds becomes plainer, falling in of other instruments; fairies above 
stage accompanying softly Saturn's rustling, while Jexidrol tiirns 
graceful somersaults, and the ring displays rapid chromatrf)pe 
colors. After repeating this performance, colors of ring die slowly out, 
leaving a deep yellow iris. 

Jexidrol. — The ring is complete, and that concludes the 
concert. 

Albert. — Who produced those melodious sounds? 

Mabel. — They are produced by nature my brother; magne- 
tic currents coming in contact with the satellites furnish the 
high notes; the 45 rings, each 1000 kilometers wide give the 
principal air of comon sense, while the planet itself emits deep 
bass. 

Queen. — The rising or setting of the rings form electro- 
magnetic currents in all conceivable variations, the result of 
which is the celestial music that we heard. 

Jexidrol. — Those sounds are at certain localities so intense 
that no human ear could bear them, while the vibrations become 
like those of tremendous eartliquakes, causing most exciting 
scenes by shooting us thousands of miles into gloomy space, 
where we continue chasing each other behind the immense 
steeple of Titan or into the deepest shades of our orthodox 
Satellites. Thus you will observe my Prince, how Ave have found 
glory, according to our physical and mental condition, being 
content to have it no worse, since we were taught no better. 

Two more giants resemblig Jexidrol descend from satellites, appearing 
small at that distance, assuming when close to stage floor their normal 
size, shooting towards satellites again diminish, while turning swift 
somersaults, changing in this manner repeatedly size, position and 
color. Albert greatly astonished strokes the back of his head, while 
Jexidrol joins in his companions' sport. 

Albert. — Oh, the conceited mortals! What limited ideas 
they have; and how insignificant a planet is the eartli. What 
undreamed marvels I have seen, and still how much more 
remains hidden from my knowledge! 



— 37 — 

Regina. — Indeed, sucli is the case. Nature's remotest 
secrets are only accessible to perfect spirits, which state no 
soul can ever acquire by religious display and prayer, but only 
by diligent research and study of Nature's manifestations, never 
stopping even at the insignificant occurrence known as death. 

Albert. — I observe Giant Master, that Saturn soul's 
almost reached that advanced spiritual state,and I really wonder 
under what conditions they came here. 

. Jexldrol. — We came all the same way,dear Prince, passing 
like you through Jupiter; Christ could not even take any ex- 
ceptions in universal laws and destiny, while cunning doctrines 
propagating selfish superiority are the most infamous blasphe- 
mies which could not fail to exert its paralizing reaction as we 
find it presently all over the civilized world. Every soul is 
only received according to individual merits. 

We Saturnians Avorked deservingly, and spend our spare 
time in nothing worse, than in imitating such brazen mockeries 
as religion demanded of us; every one after his special creed, 
but we seldom paid much attention to our brethren's misery, 
and still less to Nature's overpowering truth; consequently 
here we are detained for many centuries to learn what we 
neglected to aquire with our human reason while on earth. 

Albert. — {addressing fairies). Have mortals always been 
mistaken like this ? 

Felicia. — As to that, dear brother, you only need to con- 
sult the history of some ancient nations; their systems of 
public education, religious as well as social conditions, and the 
contrary will irresistibly impress itself upon your perplexed 
mind; it can be therefore no wonder that unhappy planets re- 
ceive now such enormous enforcements of ill-guided delin- 
quents, while but few souls reach Venus and Saturn. 

Lucia. — Alas! Such pitiful condition is hardly ever noticed 
by fashionable heedless society, who is too busily engaged with 
its intricate suction pumps, which driven by electric, steam 
and white slave's brain power racingly eject worn out animals, 
compelling them to either starve or steal. 

Queen. — {menocingly) The moral state of all those,who are 
responsible for earthly misery is far below the level of 
the lowest animal souls; even though they be religious or public 
leaders, hence, soon enough they will meet their just deserts 
in far off Uranus or Neptune. 

Albert. — It must be awful dark and cold in those distant 
planets. 

Jexidrol. — Indeed, so it is! All beings of corresponding 
character are despairing in its desolate plains and deep oceans. 

Albert. — Oh, the unfortunates must suffer there a conti- 



— 38 — 

nuous agonizing deatli ! (hnplorivg iqion Jrls knees) How can I 
tliank my kind, dear sisters for having saved me in time ? 

Mabel. — {raising him ivith both hands) You have deserved 
many times what has been done in your behalf dear brother; or 
you would still be whirling around in terrific Jupiter like mil- 
lions of idle loungers, who are supposed to learn first of all the 
law of motion, while tliose,who have been unfriendly and spite- 
ful must find in Mars a chance to fight out their earthly diffe- 
rences, where they get mercilessly trashed, as soon as they 
lift a hand or curl their lips. 



SCENE II. 
Wab in Maks. 

Satellites and giants move perceptibly upwards, rapidly diminishing 
in size until invisible. Fairies and Albert spread out their arms us 
if flj'ing with closed eyes; suddensly heavy strokes of tabor and 
cymiDals; Mar's sons appear marching in single files, left hand bu- 
ried in each preceding man's red wig; with the right administering 
heavy blows upon front man's shoulders, simultaneously advancing 
one pace at each bum of tabor, which is followed by two clicks of 
cj'mbals ■nith corresponding two hearty wig pulls and graceful knee 
bends of Mars' sons, who also amuse themselves by quickly turning 
their vicious faces amid whizzing whiplashes back and sideways in 
disdain and vitmost defiance; red fires blazing in the rear. 

All are decorated with long noses, large red whiskers, green helmets and 
wearing short greek skirts, strii^ed dark brown and pearl gray; ties, 
sleeves and collars striped green and gold. 

Suddenly unharmonious beatings of cymbals and tabors put Mars'sons 
and fairies to flight. Intense darknessr 



SCENE III 
Neptune's Ocean. 

Albert and fairies find themselves soon again perched upon an icy cliff, 
surrounded by dark surging waves; howling and whizzing storm 
flapping their gowns, when suddenly a ghostly form wrapped in a 
dark cloak api>ears from beneath the waves, shaking and swaying to 
end fro. 

Albert. — (horrified) My mother! My mother! 

(Mother, in a hollotv voice) No more your mother, but a sell 
punished sirene of Neptune's inky black ocean. I Avas never 
qualified to be a mother; if it was but for me, you would still 
be, where you saw your brother George. (Eespovdenfly) Oh, Al- 
bert! Teachers.and particularly mothers are responsible for souls' 
misery, all down at the bottom of this gloomy ocean {pointing 
loith right hand downwards) from whence we endeavor in indis- 
cribable sorrow to make good our fearful wrongs, whenever rare 
opportunities favor us in doing so. 

No amount of compunction can, but actual reparation will 



— 39 — 

finally deliver us. Oil, how hopeless a task when once the dark 
line is reached from which there is no turning back! {luith 
reneiced viyoi') Do you remember the ugly reptile in the dark 
canyon ? 

It was your mother; — 

Charley may deplore that event, others generally curse 
such apparent calamities; your experience however teaches you 
better, and all believers in antiquated mythology are becoming 
gradually but sui-ely better-informed. 

There will exist no longer gods nor men, possessed of 
supernatural curative, clairvoyant, rajiping and other mystic 
powers to mislead and defraud awe-stricken, and superstitious 
victims. — Why occur adversities, failures and accidents ? Ah! 
Thoughtless pupils will seldom question the why. — 

Don't you know how badly they are needed to lend ne- 
gligent humanity a sense of stern reality; such is the sad duty 
of Uranus, greys and Neptune's sirenes. 

Albert. — {moved) Can I do anything for you mother ? 

Mother. — No Albert, nothing for me,since I am only a drop 
in this immense ocean; individual favoritism ceases at the mo 
ment when soiil becomes liberated from earthly corruption; thus 
whatever you do shall be done for humanity, and when mortals 
begin to appreciate your example thoroughly , we will all 
enjoy it. 

You also know that there are hundreds of dear relatives 
and friends to every earthly squatter sorely waiting to be 
redeemed; although they see that it could never be accom- 
plished by leisurely parading church habitues. [Deep jMUse and 
loud splashing of loaters). 

Albert. — Oh, could I only save them at once! 

Mother. — Patience Albert, patience! The highest mountain 
waters become torpid on their long journey through attractive 
valleys before the shining sea can be reached, from whence 
the sun raises them, and travelling thousands of miles back 
again, they are able to kiss mother earth as invigorating rain 
or sparkling dew; such being the cycle of soul in its natural 
orbit. 

Return then, among the high buzzing hives of mod^vn 
cities, call human attention to the orderly citizenship of antb, 
bees, and other low animals, their equal privileges for queen 
and laborers, and compare their morals with those of the ever 
stinging bees, who build proud steeples and elegant pulj)its, 
and who claim all soul and divine spirit for themselves. 

Let them establish institutions where children could be 
protected from the dangerous influence of weak-minded mothers, 
who as steady as they are in nursing their babies will studio- 
usly spoil them after that duty of nature has ceased. 



-- 40 — 

Old aucl young equally need as much instruction, while 
self-conceited talkers, presumptive copyists and shadows of 
scientists would do better to scatter all over the fields and 
watch a wheat's growth. After that the world will become 
wise enough to open church and prison doors; if not to coax 
culprits into prayer, so at least to ofi'er them desirable and bene- 
ficial surroundings, as most of them have never had a pleasant 
home, while God is too high above all human roofs as to look 
favorably upon luxuriously dressed, well fed idolaters. 

Electric light raised upon the swaying form whose cloak appears 
whitened with ice and foam ; strong gusts of 'ndnd. 

Ask money kings what they intend to do with their mam- 
mon. Their being no merit in charitable bequests, since earth- 
ly treasures are to them an absolute void as soon as the horrid 
fall into space commenced. They only seek distinction among 
fellow-men. Why then not give them more of it than they 
could ever buy? Erect them statues, call them fathers, and they 
will readily found yourredeeming family clubs. 

There are many solid buildings admirably adapted to 
promote everywhere precisely such genuine Christianity, while 
the wives and daughters of real benefactors instead of attending 
to their customary useless Sunday exaltations, will visit 
hospitals, asylums and tenements, which would have magical 
effects upon many a lonely sufferer, as well as upon their own 
fashionably diseased souls;should but there still remain religious 
scoffers, take them all out into the mountains where you can show 
them the bright azure dome above, the green fields below and 
the silvery ocean bordering the distant horizon, then ask them 
if God's own temple was not good enough for all. Do not for- 
get to remind them how flowers, birds, and insects delight to 
worship and how we are to take lessons from such lovely creatu- 
res. Make them throw out their orthodox ballast, which prev- 
ents soul from rising into higher spheres, until then farewell. 

Wind gust; splashing waters swallow the form. 

{Planet curtain.) 




ACT V. 

SCENE I. 

Venus scene as in act III; but pyramidal mountain appears now im- 
mensely high, and glitters like gold. Beautiful floral and fruit 
garland-decorations; upon the ground some extra large flowers; 
dazzling golden light. 

Albert. — (rubbing his eyes) The liglit here is almost blind- 
ing after coming from dark spheres, {turning towards 3Iabel). 
Now, tell me my sister, how many years is it since yon called 
me from Merced Farm? Oh, I feel it must be an awful long time! 

Mabel. — {uncertain) How shall I describe you time? 

We'll say three thousand years. 

Albert. — (startled steps bacJavards. ) 3,000 years? Oh, three 
thousand years! And what is the total distance we have traversed 
in that long time? 

Queen. — Little over ten billion kilometers; though you can 
as yet hardly form a correct idea about time, distance and 
velocity. You will understand this better when you reach 
the earth again. 

Buzzing, hissing, then thundering sounds. Mysterious movement of 
mountain, the top of which enlivens with numberless whitish 
streaks of lightning. Albert frightened; merry laughter all around. 

Albert. — What is that coming now? 
Eegina. — You will see in a minute. 

Heavy falling of yellow snow; Genii and fairies lustily throwing at each 
other yellow balls. 

Albert. — {laughs relieved) Ah, how beautiful is golden snow! 
Is there also winter here? 

Eegina. —We have as on Eartli,and in Mars varying seasons 
and climates; there is but little difference in the physical con- 
dition of the three planets, and their respective inhabitants. 
You see (pointing tomoimtai)i)Yio\entina,\,oiir largest volcano is 
throwing snow to form a j)rotecting warm cloud all through 
the cold season. If it were not for this fifty kilometer high 
mountain, we should certainly have now instead of flowers and 
green fields, a benumbing glacial temperature, Avliile accord- 
ing to earthly reckoning 115 days later all would burn to ashes. 

Albert. — And what can the volcano do to avert the suffo- 
cating summer heat? 



— 42 — 

Felicia. — When the Sun's rays strike us perpendicularly 
the sea is bodily lifted and passing through volcanos, water is 
being ejected many miles into the air, and thus immense crystal 
domes are formed, each one refreshing the ground for hundreds 
of kilometers. 

AXiBERT. — What a wonderful country this is; if human 
beings could know of such marvels, they would undoubtedly 
take more interest in nature. But what will they say if I tell 
them all that I have seen? Very likely I should be considered 
demented or an impostor. 

Lucia. — Verily, human-sheep have been taught to ridicule, 
and condemn all that goes beyond their limited power of judg- 
ment and predominating idolatry; but since most sensible and 
honest teachers became aware of the fact, that in spite of all reli- 
gious display and moonshine-nonsense; common sense is rapidly 
gaining headway, many of them are getting prepared to 
exchange ineffective creeds for honorable tactics, and practical 
demonstrations. 

Mabel. — You heeded my brother, the valuable hints I 
gave you at the midnight interview, and from that very day 
you rose in the estimation of all who previously despised you. 
Tell your experience to those who are in command of elegant, 
but unutilized palaces all over the world. Induce them to keep 
open such buildings, as have been erected to practice, instead 
of vainly discussing christian examples beneath there costly 
archways. 

Queen. — You would do well to glorify noble ministers, 
who will readily dedicate their hearts, and churches for the 
actual welfare of ideal christian families. Let the poor stray 
children no longer be driven away by mysterious, unrealized 
doctrines of past centuries. Build monuments for great souls 
who have the courage to conquer themselves and their evil 
passion for earthly possessions; tell them to do less idle 
talking, less business, but considerably more actual work. 

Flowers continue, each one saying a word and gracefully bowing. 

Tell them to unite, to think, pity, admire, and love; to be 
kind, truthful and modest, like civilized christians, like human 
beings in a most beautiful planet. 

Albert. — {astonished, turns about.) Who was that talking? 

Fairies and Genii. — (in chorus) Sweet flowers, souls of 
Yenus, my prince! 

Albert. Do flowers in Yenus talk? 
Fairies. — Yes, they do; earthly flowers can also talk. 
Regina. — The sweetest discourse in the softest voices 
comes from them; eartly flowers can see and feel; they are 



— 43 — 

observant fairies and genii of Venus, always gladdening noble 
hearts, insjairing gently human beings, and gratefully helping 
those who love and cherish them. 

Felicia. — You see, my brother, we cannot, except under 
very rare conditions, show ourselves on earth in our real and 
natural films, since mortals become scornful or frightened and 
superstitious; thus sectual agitators and professional deceivers 
would only be benefited by such experiments. Earth's deni- 
zens are entirely too void of higher feelings to appreciate 
our self-sacrificing favors; we prefer therefore to see them un- 
disturbed in their burlesque sadducism, until absolute failure 
and awakening conscience will lead their very divided attentions 
back again to the only faithful parent and goddess... Nature. 

Albert. — Now I begin to fully understand the secret of 
mind's transmission, and I perceive soul in wispering flowers, 
rustling leaves and murmuring mountain springs, indeed, in all 
and everything. Oh, how often did I admire the mysterious 
power of soul in nature! I received daily high and grand 
inspirations by sincerely comunicating my own inmost thoughts 
with this sublime spirit, the only infallible scriptures of God. 

Lucia. — And that is the only correct way to reach heavenly 
spheres, my dear brother. 

Mabel. — [Poniting uptoards). — True scriptures are found in 
nature, nature is heavenly spirit, spirit is soul, soul is love, 
love is God, and God is Nature. 

Queen. — Begin wherever you may choose and you are 
bound to arrive at the same spot. Such is the supreme truth, 
which ignominous and cunningly devised orthodoxy successfully 
kept for so many centuries shut out from human minds. 

But there is no way of opposing Nature's sublime laws,how- 
ever hard it had been attempted by fanatics of all creeds. 

Let therefore, overtoppling humanity first of all return 
to intelligible simplicity, while knavish priesthood could under 
present conditions do no better, than strike out with others 
for fresh air, for free nature, for the top of their steep hills. 
Why not desinfect all theological dark cells with practical, 
clear shining religion? 

Geni. — {offering to shake hands tvith AJhert.) Recognize me 
Albert, I am John your earthly father! — Now, we are 
brothers. Oh, how I suffered since I left you in atonement for 
having neglected to facilitate you a rational education! I was 
one-sided, as parents generally are, either showing brutish 
passion or nourishing a demented desire to see their children 
comfortable and happy for the time being, quite regardless of 
reason and careless of the child's future as well as unmidful 
of other children's oppression. 



— 44 — 

Regina. — Naturally millions of properly called civilized 
brutes are raised into selfisli-cruel fiends, when they ought to 
be children of one father, and of one creation. 

John. — I have found it out too late, and had therefore 
to undergo severe punishment, although the fault rest- 
ed principally with our stubborn instructors and in a defective 
public education. 

LuDOViNA. — {12 years old, dressed tvhite; green and gold trim- 
med, comes up to kiss Albert innocently.) How is Aunt Mary, dear 
brother? 

Albert. — [Perplexed) I don't remember of ever having seen 
your good aunt, my dear angel. 

LuDOViNA. — {with, a melancholy hut ivinning smile) Why, I am 
Ludovina, poor Nellie's sister! I came, as you know to Venus 
with Mother Lucia when I knew little about the world. 
{Imploringly) Still I remember Nellie. Oh, won't you please 
tell her that whenever she kisses the first flower that greets 
her in her morning strolls, she will have kissed me, and the 
pearled dew upon that very flower shall be my tears of joy! 

How many unfortunate flowers know only tears of sor- 
row as they fade away unobserved, unloved, and untouched by 
sympathizing lips, although thousands of thoughtless mortals 
pass them haughtily every day? 

But they have no time, as time to them is money; they 
have no sympathy, because it sells too well for money; 
they have no conscience because two effective remedies 
have been invented to prevent this inconvenience. — Women find 
it in churches, and men in saloons or clubs; thus religious 
and liquor-spirits are the great rivaling forces between which 
planet earth revolves. Nevertheless it is written inthe great book 
of nature that the eaith should revolve around neither, subse- 
quently humanity shall be compelled to seek for original force, 
which is divine spirit such as becomes manifested by common 
sense (smilingly boivs). 

You may think dear brother that I am wise for my size, 
but you know, wisdom is never measured in Venus with rule 
in hand, as is practised on earth. We have here neither books, 
colleges nor churches; since there is only one author and one 
book of universal wisdom, 

rurning and with a triumphant movement of hand towards the hoiizon. 

As you see; it contains however millions of leaves which we 
read with due attention, while flashy mortals hardly ever 
trouble to take a glance of its title page, tearing instead blind- 
ly about its gilded edges. 

Bows gracefully and merrily laughing, dances childishly away; throw- 
ing back kisses. 



— 45 — 

Albert. — {In anguish) Oh God! Will not all ou earth have 
changed from the day I came to Venus? How wicked of me! I have 
hardly given a thought to my poor family, my dear wife and 
children have gone perhaps long since to Uranus or Neptune. 

Felicia. — We never worry in Venus for any particular 
person, having the universal desire to save them all without 
exception. Don't forget this first christian rule, my dear brother! 

Lucia. — Earthly faults and sentiments are reclaiming our 
brother because he is to return to the earth; but he will soon 
get over it. 

Mabel. — Of course, he will remain firm to the end, was 
even Christ at frequent occasions subject to similar human 
weakness. 

Queen. — Now, dear brother, do not worry about anything, 
you shall leave us this very instant. 

Albert. — Oh, how tired I am! And the crown is so awfully 
heavy! {feeling it with both hands.) 

'REGiNA.{Ki7idly) Be seated, dear brother; on earth I was 
your tending grand-mother. I will now just as carefully guard 
you from discomfort. 

Albert seats himself upon flowers, large gentle looking animals emerge 
from the sea, fairies pet them. Albert indicating direction, while 
court ladies approach quietly to take his crown and cloak; he shuts 
his eyes. 

Felicia. — Consult your mirror; it will relieve you while 
arrangements are being made for your departure. 

Albert. — {taking out the mirror revolves it and court ladies 
retire few jjaces. Albe7't enthusinstically exclaims) Oh, how lovely! 
How sweet! There is Merced Farm on Salton Lake... But what 
is that?.... {feeling his head). Mary, my dear wife, kneels in 
front of my cot, and she is weeping, — at least she is alive; 
but on the cot... a corpse!.., {jumping up). A corpse... yes, is it her 
second husband? {saddened and sitting down again) Oh, my God! 
It is my own corpse... and there in the middle of the room is 
Emily, — poor heart is crying bitterly... that is too much, 
indeed! {he faints) 

Home sweet home faintly. Court ladies motionless; fairies exit. Lights 
low. Blue flames and smoke screen the removal of decorations, and 
Albert's; laistling sounds. Back curtain rising discloses scene of the 
familiar farm room, with Mary seated in front of cot and Emilj' 
kneeling in the middle of room, Edward seated near window, with a 
book in hand. Nellie just entering when Albert awakes, and without 
noticing any one. 

Albert. — Where am I, Mabel dear sister? 
Mary. — (lovingly) Don't be disturbed; you are home, dear 
Albert, and out of all danger. 



— 4:6 — 

Albert. — (jumps up) What's that? Out of all danger and 
you here, Mary, in Venus? 

Mary. — (sadly, and sitting him on cot) Calm yourself, 
dear Albert; do you suppose I would leave you alone for a 
single moment? 

Albert. — (calmed) How many centuries, have you then 
been with me, Mary? 

Mary. — (painfully smiling) Indeed, hours seemed centuries 
to me, when the physicians said that there was no hope of reco- 
very, after Charley confessed that you had hardly tasted the 
whiskey which he was trying to make you swallow and thus you 
remained for fully 30 hours like dead. 

Albert. — (pressing hands upon temple) 30 hours? (stammer- 
ing) Thir....ty.... hou....rs... for three thousand years with Mabel! 

Mary. — Very likely she gave you three thousand years of 
pleasure for the thirty hours she called you away. — She also 
gave me three thousand years, and knows that they were for 
me but anguish and misery; still I became firmly convinced,that 
it tended to some good. Now, tell me all about it, dear Albert. 
No,no! You are too weak; better lie down until I bring you some- 
thing to eat. 

Albert. — Don't trouble Mary, I am feeling well enough, 
there was nothing the matter with me. Mabel took me only 
along to let me see the wonders of far off worlds, enabling me 
thusly to bring rationalism into this wicked world, such as 
partly existed already over three thousand years ago. 

Neither am I the only soul which was permitted to wan- 
der, beyond the dark line and come back again to reveal souls' 
marvelous transition and its varying manifestations in nature. 

Every individual may likewise do it, as soon as fashion- 
able absurdities are being exchanged for sober and modest 
ways of living. 

Farmers filing in, as at end of 2d Act; Charley and Florence leading. 

Charley. — (tapping Albert's shoulder) You are right, Albert; 
but do you suppose that confounded towns people will ever aban- 
don their murky atmosphere? (shaking hisjinger) Never, unless 
we farmers put the head-lights of common sense and progress 
at each side of the endangered ship of human society. 

Then intelligent pilots may appear who will at last be able 
to steer the frail vessel after centuries of dangerous cruising in 
shallow turpid waters once more safely into port. 

tableau. 

Lights low; rjiised back curtain discloses N. Y. harbor; rays of the 
torch of Liberty, showing the year 1892 illuminate the eastern hem- 
isphere of a large globe, while a vessel bearing the desirable mottos 



— 47 — 

"Common Sense" and "Progress" in flaming letters, approaches 
slowly; group of children upon a platform, support from poles Chi- 
nese lanterns showing the year 1901, while a tent amidst a group 
of camping Indians shows 1492. 

Florence. — Hurrah for Albert! 
Mary. — Hurrah for the United States! 
Nellie. — Hurrah for New York! 



(Curtain. ''The Star Splangled Banner") 





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